This term our topic is Aiming High, and we will specifically be learning about mountains. We will begin by looking at David Hill’s enthralling retelling of the ascent of Everest, First to the Top. This book provides the initial stimulus for our English work, but this is just the start of our own journey to the top!
Maths
Throughout all our maths lessons we work through a variety of differing fluency, reasoning and problem-solving tasks. During the autumn term we focus predominately on place value, statistics and multiplication and division. We also start each lesson with a PSP (Problem Solving Pineapple) task and embed our learning with our very own Reasoning Raspberry.
Reading
We read a wide range of texts in our whole class reading lessons, many of them linked to our curriculum. These include narratives and informal/formal letters linked to Eco Awareness and monologues, letters and adverts which focus on persuasive texts. We also use pictures and videos to help embed our inference learning, alongside VIPERS (Vocabulary, Infer, Predict Retrieve, Summarise).
Writing
During this term we will use the texts First to the Top (David Hill), The Snow Leopard (Jackie Morris) and Can We Save the Tiger? (Martin Jenkins) as a basis for our writing. We start with recounts of the ascent of Mount Everest, continue with biographies of with Sir Edmund Hillary or Tenzing Norgay and finish with newspaper reports about the 29th May 1953. We then move on to look at descriptive writing based on The Snow Leopard and persuasive writing using Can We Save the Tiger as a stimulus.
Science
Our science during the Autumn term focuses on materials. Linking our science to our English texts, we compare the properties of materials, give reasons for their uses and investigate thermal conductors and insulators. After half term, we perform experiments to determine which materials dissolve and how we can separate mixtures and solutions. We finish with investigating reversible/irreversible changes and the highly anticipated marshmallow experiment.
P.E.
Year 5 loves their indoor athletics and thoroughly enjoy practising all the events. We also learn lots of transferable skills in invasion games and really get into our dance sessions. As a year group we also take part in our daily mile runs and enjoy Jumpstart Jonny.
Geography
As you have probably realised, we are studying mountains in Year 5 during the Autumn term. We hone our geographical skills by locating major mountain ranges on a map and describing the key features of ranges. We also look at how mountains are formed before moving on to compare different mountain ranges. Finally, we learn about lines of latitude and longitude and combine our DT skills with our knowledge of contour lines by creating 3D models of mountains.
Art
In art we explore how different artists (Monet, Hockney, Gainsborough and O’Keefe) have interpreted landscapes. We also develop our sketching techniques, based on our Snow Leopard work, in particular the use of tone. The term concludes with learning about the different types of watercolour washes as part of our Seasons Calendar.
Computing
During the Autumn Term, we look at coding and use spheroes to create programs and understand algorithms. We also look at E-safety and reinforce the message behind S.M.A.R.T (Safe, Meet, Accepting, Reliable, Tell).
R.E and P.S.H.E
We look at a number of religions in our RE lessons including Sikhism and Christianity. We use enquiry based learning and look at significant questions such as the importance of the 5 K’s and What is Christmas? In P.S.H.E we follow the Jigsaw program looking at “Being me in my world” and “Celebrating Difference”. We have also been looking at a number of areas related to anti-bullying week and how we are all different.
MFL
We continue to improve our listening, writing, speaking and reading in French in Year 5, building on knowledge from previous years.
This term our topics are Groovy Greeks and Out of This World, and we will specifically be learning about Ancient Greece and Space. IN the first half of the term we will begin by looking at Hugh Lupton’s retelling of Homer’s Odyssey and then we will move on to study Hidden Figures by Margaret Lee Shetterly . These books provide the initial stimulus for our English work which we will combine with art, DT and music to truly engage the children.
Maths
Throughout all our maths lessons we work through a variety of differing fluency, reasoning and problem-solving tasks. During the spring term we focus predominately on multiplication and division, measurement (area and perimeter) and fractions. We start each lesson with a PSP (Problem Solving Pineapple) task and embed our learning with our very own Reasoning Raspberry. Times tables also focuses heavily in our learning with Year 5 enjoying inter class battles on TT Rockstars.
Reading
We read a wide range of texts in our whole class reading lessons, many of them linked to our curriculum. These include narratives and informal/formal letters linked to Eco Awareness and monologues, letters and adverts which focus on persuasive texts. We also use pictures and videos to help embed our inference learning, alongside VIPERS (Vocabulary, Infer, Predict Retrieve, Summarise). We now also use Reading Eggspress as an additional tool for learning.
Writing
During this term we will use the texts Odysseus (Hugh Lupton) and Hidden Figures (Margaret Lee Shetterly) as a basis for our writing. We start with retelling of the story of the Cyclops from Odysseus, continue writing mood and atmosphere with the help of art and music, and finish with writing a new chapter for the Odysseus. We then move on to look at Hidden Figures where we produce an advert to encourage women into science, create an official NASA report and write a memoir.
Science
Our science during the Spring term focuses firstly on forces and then on space. Linking our science to our English texts, we compare how forces act on an object; explain the effect of gravity on unsupported objects; investigate air resistance (paper helicopters); explore the effect of water resistance (paper boats) and identify the effect friction has on movement. After half term, we investigate the movement of the earth and other planets relative to the sun in the solar system.
P.E.
Year 5 loves their indoor athletics and thoroughly enjoy practising all the events. We also learn lots of transferable skills in invasion games and really get into our dance sessions, especially learning routines from the different decades. As a year group we also take part in our daily mile runs and enjoy Jumpstart Jonny.
History
During the first part of the Spring term we study Ancient Greeks in Year 5. We hone our history skills by locating the Ancient Greek period on a historical timeline. We also look at how the remains of pottery can tell us about everyday Athenian life; the birth and rise of democracy; the importance of theatre and festivals including the Olympics. Finally, we consider how the Ancient Greeks have influenced our lives today.
Art and Design & Technology
In art and design & technology we explore how different artists in Ancient Greece developed red and black Greek vases. We also develop our sketching techniques and create repeating patterns using different mediums. During our Greek Day we have the opportunity to make an Ancient Greek pot using either the pinch or coil technique. The term concludes with learning about the different mechanisms to enable us to build a moving mechanism scene.
Computing
During the Spring Term, we look at databases by using the programme – Purple Mash 2Investigate/2Question. We create our own databases based on the Gods and Goddess that we have learnt about during our History lessons.
P.S.H.E
In the spring term, we explore two new jigsaw pieces in our PSHE learning! The first is called ‘Dreams and Goals’ – where we think about our aspirations and future aims. We also compare our lives with children around the world. In the second part of the term, we begin our unit ‘Healthy Me’. We learn about how we can maintain and live healthy lifestyles, the importance of a balanced diet and the benefits of regular exercise.
Religious Education
This term we explore two enquiry questions. In the first part of the term we aim to try to answer the question ‘How can Brahman be everywhere and in everything?’ where we explore Hinduism. Towards Easter, we ask the question ‘Did God intend Jesus to be crucified?’ where we learn about the events in the Bible leading up to the crucifixion and why this is so important to Christians across the world.
MFL
We continue to improve our listening, writing, speaking and reading in French in Year 5, building on knowledge from previous years. We will learn to name the parts of the body; discuss how we are feeling and explain the position of an object.
For our final term we will be delving into the past! During the first half term, we explore Roman Britain – using a range of fantastic texts to help guide our learning. We will be investigating how the Romans invaded Britain, the Iceni Revolt and the infrastructure the empire left behind. As we move beyond half term, we begin our exciting new topic called ‘Twisted Tales’ – based of fairy tales! What an exciting term for Year 5!
Maths
Throughout all our maths lessons we work through a variety of differing fluency, reasoning and problem-solving tasks. During the summer term we focus predominately on fractions, decimals, percentages and geometry. We also start each lesson with a PSP (Problem Solving Pineapple) task and embed our learning with our very own Reasoning Raspberry.
Reading
We read a wide range of texts in our whole class reading lessons, many of them linked to our curriculum. These include non-fiction texts (based on our Roman topic). We also use pictures and videos to help embed our inference learning, alongside VIPERS (Vocabulary, Infer, Predict, Retrieve and Summarise). Each class will also regularly read a class book.
Writing
During this term we will use the text ‘The Viewer’ by Gary Crew and Shaun Tan. This brilliant text engages the children and helps us to explore both our Roman topic and develop quality writing. As we work our way through the text, we begin to explore poetry, leading to fantastic opportunities to become poets! We then will retell a key moment from the story (using our Year 5 grammar, punctuation and spelling). Finally we finish by writing our very own radio adverts based on ‘The Viewer’.
Our writing will be supported by regular spelling and handwriting sessions throughout the term.
Science
Our science during the summer term focuses on living things! Using enquiry questions to guide our learning, we will be investigating plant and animal reproduction and lifecycles. As we move into the final half term, we begin to focus on human lifecycles – including how our bodies change and develop as we age along with human reproduction. Throughout all our learning, we continue to develop our working scientifically skills.
P.E.
Year 5 will be practising outdoor athletics skills and striking and fielding games. We will also continue our JasminePE – focusing on the last two cogs in our curriculum (‘Health & Fitness’ and ‘Personal’). This includes exploring the game of dodgeball! During the term, we will be developing our cross country running, challenging ourselves to beat our own personal goals!
In addition to this, we will also be completing our daily 5 minute run!
Art/DT
In art we start by exploring the intricate designs found on Roman shields – leading us to develop our own fantastic patterns! We then explore the incredible artwork created in mosaics. We will be creating our own mosaic based on our ideas during the first half term.
Towards the end of the term, Year 5 will explore the artwork of Barbara Hepworth and her amazing 3D sculptures. We will be developing our own seed sculpture creations using shapes we find in nature to inspire us!
Computing
During the summer term, we look at 3D design using the programme/website PurpleMash. Children will learn how we can create nets to construct 3D objects. As the term progresses, we begin to explore concept maps. We discover how we can collaborate to create these maps by sharing our ideas on joint projects.
R.E and P.S.H.E
We look at a number of religions in our RE lessons including Christianity and Hinduism. We use enquiry based learning and look at significant questions such as ‘How do Christians show commitment to God?’ and ‘Do beliefs in Karma, Samsara and Moksha help Hindus lead good lives?’
In P.S.H.E we follow the Jigsaw program looking at “Relationships” and “Changing Me” – this term we will be completing our RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) unit of learning. A letter will be sent out to parents before we start this aspect of our learning in Summer 2.
Music
In music, we will be exploring the music of Motown! Our music curriculum follows the Charanga scheme of learning. We develop key skills such as listening, analysing, performing and understanding the music.
MFL
We continue to improve our listening, writing, speaking and reading in French in Year 5, building on knowledge from previous terms.
Who are our Year 5 teachers?
Laurel
Mrs Leschinsky
Cedar
Miss Martinez
Palm
Mr Fox
Year Group Teaching Assistants
Mrs Rolph, Miss Billson, Mrs Anderson and Mrs Lister
The expectation is that each week, children will complete tasks related to spellings, times tables and reading. There will also be either a grammar or maths task to be completed.
Naming clothes
Please ensure all your child’s clothes and belongings are clearly labelled.
Please include water bottles, PE kit and lunch boxes.
PE kit should be in school every day.
Year 5 residential: Bowles 2021 information
Planning, preparation and assessment time
The weekly planning preparation and assessment time will occur on Thursday afternoons when the children will be taught by Ms Billson, Mrs Lister and Mrs Anderson.
School trips
Autumn - Bowles Residential
Spring - Hands on History workshop (Ancient Greeks) and Mobile Planetarium
Summer - Wakehurst Place (However in 2021 - postponed Bowles Trip)
Health and hygiene
In the summer term we deliver the Health and Hygiene aspects of our Sex Education Policy (RSE) which complements our science work on life cycles of animals, plants and humans. The children have the opportunity to handle hygiene products such as flannels, soap and deodorant.
How can I support my child?
Regular reading and discussion with your child about their chosen reading book is still very valuable. Encourage them to explain why they chose the book, what do they think will happen next? Can they recall what has happened so far or make predictions? Supporting your child with the learning of their weekly spelling and mastery of the multiplication tables is also a valuable skill.
